The Maharashtra government has assured the state assembly that the four-laning of the 471-km Mumbai-Goa highway will be largely completed by May this year, with the exception of the Indapur-Mangaon bypass. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale said contractors have been directed to keep the roads motorable while both NHAI and the state PWD continue work on bridges and flyovers.
In a written statement to the assembly, Bhosale confirmed that “instructions have been given to contractors to keep the road motorable and ensure maintenance of the completed stretches.” The widening project, which connects Mumbai with the entire Konkan region and Goa, has been underway for nearly 18 years.
The minister highlighted safety concerns on the highway, stating that between March and December last year, 44 accidents were reported on the stretch from Indapur to the Kashedi tunnel, resulting in 23 fatalities. “The number of accidents and the death ratio were lower compared to the previous five years,” Bhosale added.
Regarding the Panvel to Zarap section, covering 437.88 km, 417 km of four-laning work has been completed. The remaining 18 km is in progress and is expected to be finished by next month, although major bridges and flyovers are still under construction.
The project has faced delays over the years, but the government emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure road usability and safety. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution, particularly in areas where construction is still active.
Once completed, the four-laning will significantly improve travel efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity between Mumbai, the Konkan region, and Goa, supporting both tourism and commercial transport across the vital coastal corridor.
Source: The Free Press Journal
